serf quotes

She stands an instant in the sun Athwart her harsh land's red and green Hands of a serf, and warrior eyes Of some flame-sceptred Irish queen. † As if she does not care that life Has reft the jewels from her hair But grieves that menial needs and base Were those that left her palace bare.

- Robin pseudonym of IrisGuiver Wilkinson Hyde
  The Godwits Fly, ch.23. This poem is an adaptation of 'The Farmer's Wife', first published in The Desolate Star (1929).